The Be Kind Solutions Story

The Warhorse journey started with one of my English students at Polk County High School in Columbus, NC.  For the last 14 years, I have shared my expertise in literary analysis, the 15 uses (there might be more) of the comma, and the subtleties of irony. On the other hand, my students have introduced me to P90X and Insanity (if you’ve been up at 3:00am you couldn’t have missed these exercise infomercials); blues genius Keb' Mo'; and the exhilaration of shooting someone in a paintball game. On a more environmental path, senior Elizabeth Russell profoundly impacted my self-reliance. As she learned biodiesel for her senior project in my class, I was thus introduced to a unique and sustainable process.

Liz was a student in my senior English class, and chose to explore biofuel and soap chemistry from her uncle Bob.

After her internship was complete, Elizabeth gave an eye-opening presentation to community judges: She even took a hit from a shot glass of biodiesel, which shocked and awed her audience of gas-burning-automobile-owners. As I watched her do a “shake test” on her biodiesel, I thought, “I could do this. It looks fun.” Fortunately, I owned a diesel car, and Elizabeth’s mentor chuckled skeptically when he agreed to teach me the process. To keep the painful details and memories in the past, I will just tell you that many months later, after repeated trips to my teacher’s shop, Columbus Hardware, Tractor Supply, and Polk County Landfill, I produced my first batch of biodiesel—not clear and ready for my car, but more like a French vanilla milkshake—essentially a mess. My husband advised me, “This is crazy. You’re going to ruin your car.” The learning curve continued for months, with frantic phone calls to my mentor because something “just didn’t look right.” My biodiesel education developed, and I slowly gained confidence with biodiesel chemistry and product quality. I scoured biodiesel forums and Youtube videos, absorbing lots of vital information and a pain in the neck. 

Now, five years later, we have shared this "green energy" chemistry with PCHS seniors, other local high school students, college chemistry students, and local 4-H students. Fortunately for PCHS, we now offer Biofuels and Biofuels Honor science classes, with the course starting next year.  

We now collaborate with Appalachian State's Biofuels Program, Clemson University Bio-Engineering director, and Polk County Economic and Development on projects and research.

 Next semester our students will be gaining awesome research and hands-on knowledge and experience similar to the sustainability and environmental projects at local universities.  This sustainable journey is churning and gaining momentum, which is great for Polk County High School students and for our community.

Thanks to everyone who inspired and supported this project. We'll keep up the WARHORSE work ethic.

Most Sincerely,

Tawana Weicker



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